How to fight lice in adults? - briefly
Apply an approved pediculicide shampoo or lotion, leave it on for the recommended time, then comb hair with a fine-toothed lice comb to remove nits; wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to fight lice in adults? - in detail
Adult head‑lice infestations require a systematic approach that combines chemical, mechanical and environmental measures. Effective control begins with accurate identification: live lice are visible on the scalp, while nits appear as tiny, oval eggs cemented to hair shafts within a quarter‑inch of the scalp. Prompt treatment prevents spread and reduces itching.
Chemical options
- Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice.
- Pyrethrin combined with piperonyl‑butoxide, used similarly to permethrin; suitable for individuals without known allergies.
- Spinosad 0.9 % lotion, applied for 10 minutes and left on; effective against resistant strains.
- Malathion 0.5 % lotion, applied for 8–12 hours; reserved for cases unresponsive to first‑line agents.
Mechanical removal
- Fine‑toothed nit combs, used on wet, conditioned hair; comb from scalp to ends, cleaning the comb after each pass.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to eliminate hatching nits.
Prescription treatments
- Ivermectin oral tablets (200 µg/kg) administered as a single dose; useful when topical agents fail.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion, applied for 10 minutes; contraindicated in children under 6 months but safe for adults.
Environmental control
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to starve surviving lice.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine scalp 7–10 days after initial treatment; retreat if live lice persist.
- Continue weekly inspections for four weeks to confirm eradication.
Combining a proven topical insecticide with diligent nit combing and thorough laundering yields the highest success rate. Resistance patterns should guide the choice of agent, and prescription options remain available for refractory cases.